Santa Fe-Style Chicken Breasts
Savory chicken breasts glazed with a tangy orange-marmalade sauce, infused with smoky chili and lime, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal suited for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Score each chicken breast half on both sides in a diamond pattern.
- Rub chicken on both sides with a mixture of chili powder and salt.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil and margarine.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook about 3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the skillet, add the orange marmalade and lime juice to the drippings.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring to loosen brown bits from the skillet.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer, until heated through and coated with glaze on both sides.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili powder mix. If you don't have orange marmalade, apricot jam or honey can work as substitutes. For a healthier option, you can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil. Ensuring the chicken is scored helps the seasonings penetrate better and allows for quicker cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with a side of Mexican Fried Rice for a complete meal. A fresh salad or Pico De Gallo (Relish) can also enhance the dish's flavors. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Stuffed Mexican Peppers. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added zest.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Santa Fe-Style Chicken Breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth, covering it to retain moisture. This prevents the chicken from drying out while warming through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Fe-Style Chicken Breasts contains roughly 120 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1589mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?
Yes, grilling the chicken will impart a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the scored chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent drying out.
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and glaze ahead of time. Cook and glaze the chicken, then cool and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat in a skillet or the oven, ensuring it's warmed through before serving.
What can I use instead of lime juice?
If you don't have lime juice, lemon juice is a great alternative that will still provide acidity. Alternatively, you can omit it altogether if you prefer a sweeter glaze, as the orange marmalade already adds a nice citrus flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).